Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was apprehended on September 16, 2024, for allegedly stalking former President Donald Trump at a West Palm Beach golf course. Authorities claim Routh possessed an AK-47-style rifle, suggesting a potential assassination attempt thwarted by the Secret Service.
Routh's online presence reveals a complex individual with shifting political views. His social media activity spans support for various politicians, including Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, and Nikki Haley. Notably, Routh made small donations to ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, and voted in North Carolina's Democratic primary in March 2024.
In a self-published book from 2023, Routh expressed strong opinions about Trump and international affairs:
"You are free to assassinate Trump"
This controversial statement was part of Routh's criticism of Trump's decisions regarding the Iran nuclear deal and the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.
Routh's interest in global conflicts, particularly the situation in Ukraine, was evident in his online activities. He claimed to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, even appearing at a demonstration in Kyiv in April 2022. However, Ukrainian officials stated that Routh never officially served in their military or worked with their forces.
The suspect's criminal history includes felony convictions in 2002 and 2010 in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 2018, Routh relocated to Kaaawa, Hawaii, where he reportedly aimed to address homelessness by building small wooden sheds.
Routh's neighbor, Christopher Tam, expressed shock at the news, describing him as respectful and cordial. The investigation into Routh's motives continues as authorities analyze his diverse online footprint and background.
This incident highlights the complex interplay of political views, online activism, and potential security threats in the current political landscape. It also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in identifying and preventing potential acts of violence against public figures.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about how Routh obtained the weapon and what factors may have influenced his alleged actions. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing security concerns surrounding high-profile political figures and the importance of vigilance in an era of rapidly shifting ideologies and online radicalization.